A 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder following an altercation in a Beverly Hills alley that resulted in the death of a homeless man. The incident occurred Sunday night on the 400 block of North Palm Drive.
Beverly Hills Police Department officers responded to a report of a fight around 11:39 p.m. and discovered an unidentified homeless man with a serious stab wound to the neck. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect, identified as Conoray Lawantara, was also hospitalized for injuries sustained during the incident.
Neighbors reported that the homeless man was searching through trash cans when Lawantara confronted him. Videos from the scene show Lawantara in handcuffs, speaking with officers. In one clip, he states, "He reached for me and at that time I produced a CCW [concealed carry weapon] — it’s a 3.9 inch knife." He can also be heard saying, "I went for him because he was pulling at me," and "He kept going after me. I tried going away."
The alleyway is known to be frequented by homeless individuals, though residents say they typically do not cause trouble. Lawantara and his girlfriend had reportedly moved into a nearby apartment complex only a few weeks prior. The neighborhood, known for its upscale residences, was disturbed by the violent event, with one neighbor describing the aftermath as a scene reminiscent of a crime show with "pools of blood all around." The investigation is ongoing by the Beverly Hills Police Department.